A SYSTEM BY WHICH A SOCIETY RANKS CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE IN

A HIERARCHY

A STRUCTURE OF INEQUALITY

Social Stratification

Macionis, SociologyChapter Ten

Basic Principles of Stratification2

Trait of society Does not reflect individual differences, skills,

knowledge, or talents; but society’s structure

Generational Social mobility happens slowly

Universal but variable While universal, it varies in type by society

Involves not just inequality but beliefs Ideologies & values define & justify existence

of social stratification

Social Mobility

Upward College degree or higher-paying job

Downward Drop out of school, losing a job or divorce

Horizontal Changing jobs and getting the same

compensation

Intragenerational Change in social position during one’s lifetime

Intergenerational mobility in relation to one’s parents

3

Stratification Systems4

Class Vs. CasteCaste – closed – birth determines

futureClass – open – some mobility

We also have Estate Systems Ownership of propertyFeudal societiesKingdoms

The Caste System5

Social stratification based on ascription

Birth = social position in four ways Occupation Marriage within caste Social life is restricted to “own kind” Belief systems are tied to religious dogma

Caste system is illegal, but elements survive Apartheid in South Africa Slavery India

Class Systems6

Social stratification based on birth and individual achievement

Social mobility for people with education and skills & networks

All people gain equal standing before the law

Meritocracy: personal merit - skills

Low status consistency across dimensions of social inequality

Karl Marx: Class and Conflict7

This Relationship Creates Class ConflictOwn productive property

“bourgeoisie”Work for others “proletariat”

Capitalism creates great inequality in power and wealth

This oppression would drive the working majority to organize and overthrow the capitalism

Was Marx Right?8

Wealth still remains highly concentrated 40% of privately owned property in 1% of

population

White-collar jobs offer little over past century in income, security or satisfaction

Workers benefits came from struggle Conflict and distrust still remain as obstacles

between management and workers Little has been won recently

Law still protects private property of rich

Max Weber: Class, Status, and Power

9

Class position Socioeconomic status (SES)Composite ranking based on various

dimensions of social inequality“classes” a continuum from high to low

Status = social prestige

PowerDoes not always reflect status or SES

Dimensions of Class: SESIncome

Occupational wages and earnings from investments

Wealth The total value of money and other assets, minus

any debtSocial power

The ability to control, even in the face of resistanceOccupational prestige

Job-related statusSchooling (any education or training)

Key to better (more) career opportunities

10

The Davis-Moore Thesis11

Social stratification has beneficial consequences for the operation of a society

The greater the importance of a position, the more rewards a society attaches to it

Egalitarian societies offer little incentive for people to try their best

Where do they stand

Critical evaluation